Holiday shopping can be safer if shoppers plan ahead, take precautions:

The Oklahoma City Police Department wants you and your family to enjoy a safe and joyful Christmas season.

Thieves often target crimes of opportunity like larcenies and burglaries. By planning ahead with these basic safety tips you can reduce your vulnerability to such criminal activity.

Start your holiday shopping with a game plan.

Plan your shopping destinations in advance and let others know where you will be.

Police officers know from experience there is safety in numbers. Don't go shopping alone - bring along a friend or family member.

Take a fully charged cell phone with you in case of an emergency. If your group has more than one cell phone, be sure to exchange cell phone numbers. If you have an emergency in Oklahoma City, just call 911 on your cell phone.

Be aware of your location so the dispatcher can send Police, Fire, or EMSA to help you. If you would like to program the non-emergency number for the Oklahoma City Police in your cell phone, it is 231-2121.

Before heading into the store, make sure you know exactly where you parked your vehicle. Write down the location if necessary. You may be so distracted by the hustle and bustle of shopping that you won't remember it later!

Always secure packages out of sight in the trunk -- don't tempt thieves by leaving valuables where they can be seen. Always lock all doors to your vehicle.

Avoid traffic risks

Roadways around shopping areas are likely to be congested. Plan ahead so you will have plenty of time to safely make your way through heavy traffic to and from your shopping destinations. Drive courteously and find a legal parking place, preferrably in a well-lit, highly visible area.

Don't carry what you don't need

Take only the credit cards, checks, or cash you will actually need at a given location. Keep other valuables at home or locked securely in the trunk of your vehicle.

Do not take large amounts of cash or a large handbag. The safest place to carry cash, checks, or credit cards is secured in your pocket. This reduces the chance of them being lost or stolen, but if this happens, notify your credit card companies and the police immediately.

Be prepared for credit card theft

Write down the toll free numbers to your credit cards and keep this information in a secure place ahead of tme. Prompt reporting of a credit card theft might reduce the possibility of illegal use and could help lead to an arrest of the thieves. If the store you're shopping at has private security, also report the loss or theft to them in case the items are recovered and turned in.

Trust your instincts

If you ever have a concern about something or someone in a parking lot or business that seems suspicious, err on the side of caution and avoid the situation. Report suspicious activity to police or store security.

When walking to and from the parking lot, stay aware of your surroundings and stay with your shopping partner. While you are in the store, don't leave your valuables unattended - even for a moment.